Germany things to see and do

Forming a long natural divide along the Austrian border, the Bavarian Alps are a strikingly attractive spectacle. Take in the mountain views from the top of the Zugspitze. It's a panorama you will never forget. Easily reachable from Munich, outdoor enthusiasts will be in their element here with plenty of skiing, hiking and canoeing options. Those more intent on relaxation can unwind and unknot in a slew of top-notch spas.

Few parts of Germany's countryside are as storied as the Black Forest: a dense, green mountain range in the southwest. Hiking is the best way to explore the photogenic beauty and sky-high peaks of this national park, while the forest is also home to a large number of small character-rich towns, including Triberg im Schwarzwald, which is home to the world's largest cuckoo clock. The famous Triberger waterfalls, close to Triberg, are the highest waterfalls in Germany. Although the dessert Black Forest gâteau is not directly named after the Black Forest mountain range, it does takes its name from the speciality liquor distilled from tart cherries in this region. The German name for Black Forest gâteau is Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte and the liquor is called Schwarzwälder Kirsch(wasser).

Cologne knows how to have a good time and the Cologne carnival is one of the biggest events on the calendar. Expect lots of fancy dress, plenty of parties and parades. Also keep a lookout for ceremonial burning of straw figures, bouquets of flowers and cries of "Kölle Alaaf" (Long Live Cologne).

Crowned the European Capital of Culture in 2010, Essen has grown from a staid mining city into a remarkable example of how industrial infrastructure can be repurposed to artistic effect. Shaft 12 at Zollverein Coal Mine is now a Bauhaus-inspired and UNESCO-listed design museum, while the award of European Green Capital in 2017 is further proof that the city's industrial past has been truly usurped.

As Germany's second largest metropolis, the northern port city of Hamburg offers rich pickings for tourists. Colourful and cosmopolitan, the city has music at its heart: retrace the steps of The Beatles along the Reeperbahn; enjoy the fervent live scene; or dance to DJs until the small hours. The Speicherstadt's neo-gothic canals are best explored at night. Or enjoy Hamburg's famous fair Hamburger Dom, which takes place in spring, summer and winter.

Getting to know the world-famous wineries of the Moselle Valley is a rewarding way to sample rural Germany. The Moselle River flows through France, Luxembourg, and Germany where it twists and turns between Trier and Koblenz. Aside the steep banks of the river Moselle, the culture remains traditional, pace of life slow and its scenery grandly evocative. The wines, including some of the best Rieslings, are well worthy of extensive acquaintance.

Germany's love affair with football reaches its pinnacle at the Allianz Arena, home of Bayern Munich. Snare a ticket and watch one of the continent’s top teams in action. Other lively options include Hamburg, Bayer Leverkusen, Hertha Berlin, Schalke 04 and Werder Bremen.

The archetypal fairytale palace, world-famous Neuschwanstein stands among Alpine foothills in Bavaria. It's the most elaborate of King Ludwig II's castles, with much of its design inspired by Wagnerian operas. And if you think the outside looks dramatic, wait until you see the gilded decor and furnishings that the interior serves up. Avoid a visit to Neuschwanstein during the summer months if you don't want to get stuck in the crowd of the castle's 6000 daily visitors.